As the stalemate continues over government formation in J&K, the state government has strengthened the security of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti by importing an advanced convoy jammer from the US.
The jammer worth Rs 2 crore was imported four months ago. It prevents improvised explosive device from being set off and also blocks mobile network signals.
“Earlier, the jammer was missing several frequencies so we had to procure a new, more portable jammer worth Rs 2 crore from the US,” said a senior security official wishing anonymity.
The official said the jammer was part of Mehbooba’s convoy, believed to be the next Chief Minister of the state after the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7.
“The new jammer is compact and effective against roadside bombs, radio-controlled mines and remote-controlled explosives hidden in or near vehicles in a convoy,” he said.
“You might have seen how mobile networks were completely blocked by the jammer during Mehbooba’s address to party workers in Srinagar on February 21,” he added.
He said the jammer had been procured by the Police Department after a licence was granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
The official said the number of the Special Security Guards (SSG) guarding Mehbooba had also been increased.
Director, SSG, Syed Afad-ul-Mujtaba said the strengthening of the security of politicians, including Mehbooba, was a “routine activity”. He, however, declined to share details about the new jammer.
Jammer procured for Mehbooba’s security from US
